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Preventive Care & Wellness

  • In the wild, a bird will try to uphold a strong appearance when sick. By the time a pet bird begins to display symptoms of illness, it has likely been sick for several days to weeks. Many things contribute to ill health. This handout provides bird owners with a list of signs that will alert them that their bird is sick.

  • Adding a new kitten to your family is a lot of fun, but it is also a big responsibility. This handout reviews basic kitten care, including vaccinations, internal and external parasites, nutrition, and nail care. It also reviews the importance of early spay/neuter and microchip identification.

  • Congratulations on the addition of a new puppy to your family! This handout provides general care advice for your puppy, including nutrition, play and chewing behavior, housetraining, socialization, nail trimming, and basic first aid.

  • Owning a puppy can be an extremely rewarding experience but it is also a large responsibility that lasts the entire lifetime of the dog. Working with your veterinarian, there are several preventive measures to help keep your puppy safe and healthy as he grows up, including vaccination, parasite treatment and prevention, identification, and spaying or neutering your dog.

  • While hunting is still his first love, the Redbone Coonhound is a laid back hound generally content to lounge around the house and yard.

  • For many cats, a visit to the veterinarian can be stressful. Familiarize your cat with being inside a carrier: make the carrier a cozy and pleasant place to be – it is essential for your cat’s safety. Upon arrival at the veterinary office, try to relax and talk calmly to your cat. Bring delicious, favorite treats and a familiar towel that your cat can snuggle in during her examination.

  • Many dogs experience fear associated with veterinary visits. Once recognized, fear can be reduced with gentle handling techniques and structured behavior modification exercises such as desensitization and counterconditioning. Medications that reduce anxiety can be given before the visit, while full sedation may be needed for some fearful dogs or certain procedures. Over time, dogs can learn to cooperate in their care.

  • Despite the fact that early breeders developed the dog as a formidable hunter and defender of property, Rhodesian lovers stay with the breed because he is also a fine companion animal, intelligent, playful and affectionate.

  • A successful road trip with a cat begins long before the day of travel. Teach your cat that the carrier is a great everyday place to hang out. Gather your cat’s medical documents to take with you and be sure to have your cat wear identification during travel. Take along a small supply of the litter she’s used and bring along water from home. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your cat if she does not travel well.

  • A successful road trip with a dog begins long before the day of travel. If you have a small dog, teach him that his carrier is a great everyday place to hang out. For larger dogs, there are several well-designed doggy seat belts for restraint in the back seat. Gather your dog’s medical documents to take with you and be sure to have your dog wear identification during travel. With some advance planning, attention to detail, and consultation with your veterinarian, road-tripping with your dog can be as “smooth as silk”!